convict of v.s. convict in

[Lost_Soul]

Hi,

I always thought that we use "of" with "convict", i.e. "He was convicted of murder/robbery". But recenly going thought police records, I came across the usage of "convict" with the "in".
For example:
He was convicted in the kidnapping and shooting deaths of ....

So, could you tell me if both prepositions are interchangeable or if there is a slight change in the meanings?

[Jamie (K)]

He was convicted of murdering his wife's lover.
He was convicted of murder.
He was convicted in the murder of his wife's lover.

He was convicted of shooting a liquor store owner.
He was convicted in the shooting of a liquor store owner.

He was convicted of embezzling $1 million.
He was convicted of embezzlement.
He was convicted in the embezzlement of $1 million.

Maybe someone knows better than I do, but it looks like of is used before the bare noun or gerund, and in is used before an article.

My gut feeling says that we use of with the name of the act, and in when we're envisioning a scenario.

[Lost_Soul]

Thank you Jamie !

Another question: do we have the same rule for "accuse" ?.
I.e. He was accused in the murder of his wife - does it work?

PS: Never thought that things might get so complicated with "convict".... BTW, in Russian - it is always "in" :)

[Jamie (K)]

"He was accused of murdering his wife."
"He was accused in the murder of his wife."

It seems to work, but I'm not as sure about "accused". Just a gut feeling.

[Lost_Soul]